Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

This Code is established in accordance with the objectives of the World of Lupines Foundation (W.O.L.F.) to protect, preserve and advance the interest of the Lupine Dog and to provide guidelines for responsible ownership and ethical breeding practices.

This Code sets forth principles of conduct to be followed by all members of the W.O.L.F.

Membership in the W.O.L.F. automatically obligates the member to this Code of Ethics.

SECTION ONE: GENERAL

Members will consider the welfare of the breed when engaged in breeding, exhibiting, or selling Lupine Dogs, and will refrain from activities that are contrary to the best interests of the breed and the Foundation.

At all times, members shall conduct themselves in a manner that is a credit to W.O.L.F., their members and the Lupine Dog breed.

Members shall not use any method of communication whatsoever in a way that could be considered defamatory, insulting or detrimental to another member, their dogs or the Foundation.

No member shall furnish information, including pedigrees and photographs, of dogs not owned by them without prior written consent from the owner.

Members shall make every effort to assist the novice and educate the public about Lupine Dogs by providing information beneficial to the general well being of the breed.

SECTION TWO: OWNERSHIP All owners understand and agree to…

Not take on more dogs than he/she can care for in a healthy environment maintaining the highest possible standards of health, cleanliness, care and attention.

Not exceed the number of dogs allowed by regional/local laws and all other ordinances, as applicable.

Not live in any country, state, county or city that prohibits ownership of dogs with wolf ancestry (i.e. wolfdogs, wolf-alike dogs etc.) and adhere to all relevant licensing requirements for dogs thereof.

Ensure all dogs are domestic pets that must spend time in a home/domestic environment and receive regular environmental enrichment such as socialization, walks, training, mental stimulation activities, etc.

SECTION THREE: BREEDING AND EXHIBITING All members who breed will understand and agree to…

Work towards achieving criteria listed in the W.O.L.F. for Lupine Dogs and plan all litters with the goal of improving the breed in health, confirmation and disposition.

Shall consider breeding a litter only if prepared to keep the offspring for as long it takes to place each puppy in suitable homes.

Obtain and remain compliant with appropriate licensing and exhibition requirements per country, state and municipality of origin, as applicable.

Not breed or exhibit dogs that have been changed in appearance by artificial or surgical means.

Represent dogs by the correct lineage, health evaluation and genetic testing results as registered with the W.O.L.F.

Only breed from dogs who have passed their standard breed-specific health tests with a minimum of satisfactory Hip Examination, Elbow Examination and Embarkvet DNA profile and any breed specific genetic tests.

Acquire health assessments as appropriated by age (i.e. hip/elbow examinations must be carrying after 18 months of age) and that any behavioural assessment not be taken before 18 months of age.

No mating shall take place between two dogs known to carry any genetic disorder (e.g., ‘healthy carrier – n/DM’ of Degenerative Myelopathy is not to be mated with another ‘healthy carrier – n/DM’ and that all carriers of genetic disease will only be paired to a ‘clear’ – n/n dog).

Agree that no dog that has an inherited homozgous or suspected homozgous fault will be bred from.

No mating will take place between two dogs that are siblings, half siblings, parents or grandparents of each other. Cousins will be considered with a breeding plan in place to reduce Coefficient Of Relationship (COR) in subsequent generations.

A bitch/dam may have a maximum of 4 litters registered, a dog/sire 8*

No bitch should rear a litter on consecutive seasons, or in any case, must have no more than one litter in any 12-month period.

No bitch is to be mated so as to whelp before she is 24 months old.

No bitch is to be mated so as to whelp post her 8th year.

Not breed if considered deleterious to the health of dog, bitch or puppies by a veterinarian for any reason.

Not breed any bitch that has previously required an emergency caesarean, as this would indicate possible whelping difficulties.

Ensure that dogs used for breeding receive routine wellness checks by a veterinarian, are up-to-date with vaccinations, free from infection and in good overall condition at the time of mating.

Return bitches received from overseas for mating as soon as possible. This should be within 4 weeks from the date of mating.

No bitch more than 4 weeks in whelp should be exported or imported.

Provide appropriate veterinary care during and after pregnancy for bitch and puppies.

Not cull any healthy puppy. Puppies that do not conform to the Breed Standard or Lupine type should be placed in suitable pet-only homes.

Follow all relevant country and state animal welfare laws (i.e. Animal Welfare Act).

Ensure puppies are home reared with appropriate preventative treatments such as flea prevention, worm treatment and vaccination.

Ensure puppies are raised with appropriate enrichment/habituation and socialisation fit for a pet dog (e.g. well handled, introduced to household appliance noises etc.), and be introduced to the process of toilet training (e.g. paper training).

Only place puppies that are in good condition and health at the time of sale; will have received the necessary vaccinations to date; a record of dates and types of immunizations will be given; and a health certificate provided if required.

Certify all dogs/puppies are Micro-chipped prior to sale.

Use best endeavours to ascertain that every prospective new owner is suitable and that there is a reasonable expectation of a happy life, and to resume responsibility for their stock if it proves unsuitable for its new home for whatever reason. This provision also applies when stock is to be exported, with the additional responsibility of the exporter to use best endeavours to ensure the dog’s welfare in transit. Members are reminded that not all countries have protective animal welfare laws, or Breed Clubs that cater for the welfare of the breed. It is the sole responsibility of the exporter to ensure that adequate welfare provisions exist.

Require all new owners sign a contract stating that if at any time the owner has to place a dog, the breeder must be notified, and cannot be rehomed, sold or bred from without the breeder’s prior consent. Breeders should provide legal contracts in the sale of puppies and/or their use of stud dogs.

Offer a lifetime support package and assist with re-homing at any time if required.

Not sell/give any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers, or third party brokers for the purpose of resale.

No Lupine Dog will be sold or donated to a research laboratory or, whether directly or indirectly, given as a prize in a competition or auction of any kind. No W.O.L.F. registration certificates will be sold or auctioned as stand-alone items (not accompanying a dog).

No member will have any convictions under any animal welfare law. Any person discovered to have any animal cruelty or neglect conviction will be expelled from W.O.L.F. indefinitely.

Notify W.O.L.F. of any change of circumstances from the above.

All W.O.L.F. members should be aware of the consequences of any default on their part from these ethical standards, whether intentional or not. Consequences can be up to and include expulsion from the Foundation.

Understand that any breaches of this ethical code may result in disciplinary action (see ‘Constitution’).

*Special circumstances can be applied for to the committee in writing for a stud to produce more than 8 successful litters with veterinary evidence supporting this is in no way deleterious to the dog.